150 years ago
1874
Yaquina railroad: We learn, from gentlemen just returned from San Francisco, that this railroad project is receiving great attention in that city. No far-seeing business man can fail to see the importance of this road relative to the commerce of that city, while its geographical position as the natural outlet to the great Willamette valley may be seen by a glance at the map. The wheat growers of Benton county will lose more money on this year’s crop, alone, by not having this road than would purchase the necessary stock to insure its completion — which can be demonstrated by figures. (Published Sept. 18, 1874, in the Weekly Corvallis Gazette).
Grange event: Among the delegates from this county to the State Grange, which met at Salem, last Tuesday, we noticed Miss Mary J. Harris of Willamette, and N.P. Newton, of Philomath Grange. (Published Sept. 18, 1874, in the Weekly Corvallis Gazette).
125 years ago
1899
Music director: Prof. W.F. Gates, for many years director of the Conservatory of music in Western College, has been secured and will take charge of the music department of the Philomath College on the 26th inst. The business manager, J.R. Parker, has under headway a large and commodious building to accommodate the museum, library and reading room, and gymnasium. The college authorities congratulate themselves in their good fortune in securing so distinguished a director of music to establish a conservatory. (Published Sept. 22, 1899, in the Lincoln County Leader, Toledo)..
100 years ago
1924
Road improvements: Work on the Philomath-Wren road which has been going on for the last three months is nearing completion. An entirely new grade has been made and surfaced from Wren to within a hundred yards of the Woods Creek bridge. From here to on Philomath the road will be scarified and put in shape for winter. Arrangements have been made by the city of Philomath with the county court to scarify and grade up Main street as the city has no machinery heavy enough to do the work. This will complete the last link in a well-built road clear through from Corvallis to Newport. (Published Sept. 18, 1924, in the Corvallis Gazette-Times).
75 years ago
1949
Local teachers: With most of the Benton county schools again in session after the summer vacation months, there are now 105 teachers on the school staffs. So far as is known at the county superintendent’s office all positions have been filled in the county with one exception, that is at Hazel Glen school down in the Lobster Valley area. A list of teachers for the different schools: Kings Valley — Eunice Brusse, principal; Nella R. Harris, Edna Rike and Vivian Smith. Wren — Ila R. Miller. Blodgett — Mrs. L.E. Tice and Norma Somerville. Philomath grades — Charles L. Edwards, principal; Irene Ness, Verdene Campbell, Dorothy Best, Betsey Branigar, Abbie H. Geersten, Lucille Lewis, Minnie McMurtry, Etta May Miller, Gladys R. Murphy and Betty LaMaus Roberts. Philomath high school — Robert Manning, principal; Margaret Berg, Marion Badgley, Eleanor Bateman, Beryl Smith, Ruth Seits, Irene Baker, Conway E. Furtwangler, Dee Simpson and Norman Jones. Summit — Nada L. Clark and Lillian M. Swanson. (Excerpts from a story published Sept. 22, 1949, in the Benton County Herald).
40 years ago
1984
Bond measure: Philomath voters approved a $1.8 million general obligation bond measure for sewer and water improvements. The city has suffered continuing problems with its water quality. (Published Sept. 19, 1984, in the Oregonian, Portland).
Levy passes: Officials in the small school districts of Scio and Philomath had predicted they would have to close there early in the advent of a levy failure Tuesday. … Philomath school officials — seeking passage of a $479,118 levy — predicted closure next April 30 if they lost. Superintendent Lee Edwards said the school had exhausted all its cash reserves long ago, and was on the ropes after suffering two other levy defeats. (Published Sept. 19, 1984, in the Statesman-Journal, Salem).
No candidates: When residents in this Benton County town (Philomath) of 2,600 walk into the voting booth Nov. 6, the local part of the ballot is going to be pretty sparse. No one filed for the city council. Philomath officials have been researching the law books to determine what happens if the city comes up a few members shy of a full council. (Published Sept. 20, 1984, in the Statesman-Journal, Salem).
Football victory: Ken Gates scored the game’s lone TD in the first period. It was raggedly-played, with nine fumbles and two interceptions. Linebacker Dan Harris’ interception set up the TD. (Published Sept. 20, 1984, in the Statesman-Journal, Salem).